Keeping Chickens in Winter
It is a pleasure to observe the birds as they forage and dust for most of the year, however the winter months bring with them particular problems for both poultry keepers and chickens alike.
General Conditions
Protection from the Weather
Ventilation
Feed
Health
Make it Easy
Let the Chickens do the Work
General Conditions
Daylight hours are much shorter, this means the birds have less time to forage, insects are scarce and worms go deeper underground. Grass is either extremely slow to grow or has stopped completely, either way, it's much less nutritious than it was during its active growing season.
Cold conditions and wet ground wreak havoc, both with the ground and with the birds if they are left untended.
Frost brings it's own problems but rain is probably the single biggest problem for all concerned.
Shortage of food supplies means increased predation, especially from foxes with longer unguarded hours to hunt in extended darkness.
Protection from the Weather
Chickens have little or no protection from rain, it penetrates their feathers and they get cold. They tend to remain indoors or if they are lucky enough to range through trees and shrubs they will huddle beneath these for shelter.
Very heavy rain will turn runs and even large pens into mud if the water cannot flow away quickly or if they are over-crowded. As the birds walk, they trample the grass and draw the wet mud from beneath. This means the area will very quickly become a mud bath unless the birds are moved regularly.
Chicken Houses - Ventilation
Ventilation is essential in winter. Because the birds remain indoors in wet weather there will be an increased build up of ammonia from their droppings. Confined birds produce moisture which can condense on the roof or walls creating a damp house. Should any of the birds become unwell this can spread very quickly to all of the others in a confined space.
Avoid over crowding at all costs!
Birds will tolerate cold, but damp / wet conditions create serious problems for them.
In short this means that feed must be increased and their pens must be extended. Small runs will need to be moved on a daily basis to avoid problems.
Chicken Feed
A balanced ration, whether it is mass produced, organic or home mixed is more essential in winter as chickens are less able to supplement it from nature themselves.
Chicken Health
At the first sign of illness, quarantine the bird and treat it. Do not let the illness spread to the remaining flock. Keep a close eye on all birds in the mornings, during and after they've eaten and again in the evenings when they are settling down for the night. This is a good time to listen for any signs of wheezing or sneezing.
Adding a regular tonic of unpasturised apple cider vinegar and garlic to their water will go a long ways to keeping the birds healthy. About 20 ml in a litre of water for 4 - 5 days, once a month will suffice. It keeps their gut healthy and makes it a hostile environment for worms, it also assists their metabolism in taking more nutrients from their feed. Being unpasturised means it's also probiotic.
Make it Easy
Having a chicken coop and run or fencing which are easily moved, means that it is more likely to be done often. This preserves the ground and ensures the health and well being of the chickens. The run should be secured to the ground to prevent raids from predators.
In the case of a large fenced pen, it should be of close mesh such as chain link and strong enough to prevent unwelcome entry. Electrified mesh fencing is ideal for protection from predators and has an advantage over fixed fencing in that it can be easily moved to provide fresh ground for the birds during winter.
Let the Chickens do the Work
If you are a gardener and there's been a dry spell, making the ground more friable, move the birds into the now empty garden for a while. They will clean the ground of weeds and pests and help to manure and break it up for spring planting. Don't forget to let them clear the area around the fruit bushes and trees of over-wintering grubs and pests.